-to adequately prepare for the rainy season
THE RAINY season is here once again and I was very glad to see that there hasn’t been any report of excessive flooding around the country.
As many may have noticed, many canals (both primary and secondary) in farming and residential communities are clear, due to extensive work spearheaded by the Agriculture Ministry and its implementing agency, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority in preparation for the rains.
Since I am a resident on the coastline, which is quite vulnerable to the ills of climate change and is below sea level, I have noticed numerous efforts being made by the government to improve and enhance the drainage systems.
At present, the Hope, Belfield and Greenfield outfalls have been cleaned, and the NDIA’s pontoon and excavators are presently working at Victoria, which would improve the drainage capacity in those areas.
I have also learnt from a friend who resides in Region Five that much is being done there. For example, farmers were given two days for excavation works, building of embankments and empoldering to facilitate continued agricultural activity. Drainage tubes were also given to areas such as Champagne and the left bank of the Mahaica River.
It is obvious that farming remains high on the agenda of government to improve the drainage system in farming communities along the coastland and some hinterland communities, as recently related by the media.
While much work is being carried out and is ongoing by the Ministry of Agriculture around the various regions, I was disappointed when I visited Georgetown to see that the Mayor and City Council has not adequately prepared for the rainy season, and a much better job needs to be done by the Council in carrying out its responsibilities around the city.